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Marles, Chappell unveil Australia's first MQ-4C Triton aircraft

Air

31 July 2024

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By: Robert Dougherty

 

Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Richard Marles MP and Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell introduce the MQ-4C Triton aircraft into the Royal Australia Air Force fleet at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory. Photo: Kym Smith

The Federal Government has unveiled Australia’s first MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Aircraft System – ‘AUS 1’ – to be operated by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Revealed at RAAF Base Tindal by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, the MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft that will provide persistent surveillance across Australia’s maritime approaches.

The aircraft will complement the ADF’s crewed P-8A Poseidon fleet as a ‘family of systems’ to undertake enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of Defence operations.

“This is another example of the Albanese Government demonstrating its commitment to national security with our ongoing investment in cutting-edge capabilities,” according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.

“This is about ensuring our Australian Defence Force is fit for purpose and equipped with suitable capabilities to meet the challenges it will face.

“We must continue to enhance our operations from Australia’s northern bases, and the MQ-4C Triton is a tangible example of a capability that will assist us in achieving this task.”

The four MQ-4C Triton aircraft will be based at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory and operated by the Air Force’s reformed No. 9 Squadron, located at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

“As a complement to our existing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the MQ-4C Triton will significantly enhance our ability to persistently patrol Australia’s north and broader maritime approaches,” according to Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.

“The MQ-4C Triton will deliver unprecedented persistence and awareness over the maritime domain in support of the integrated, focused force.

“Uncrewed aerial systems offer enormous potential to capitalise on the opportunities provided by modern payloads and increased endurance.”

The MQ-4C Triton project represents a $900 million investment in Australian industry for facilities construction, network integration, engineering, logistics, component manufacture and sustainment services.

As part of this investment, Defence has signed an interim sustainment support contract valued at approximately $220 million with Northrop Grumman Australia, creating 110 technical jobs for highly skilled workers in South Australia and in the Northern Territory as a result of the project.

“With the investment in the MQ-4C Triton fleet and the increased commitment to Defence more broadly, the Australian Government is delivering a generational uplift in the long-range capabilities the ADF needs to make Australians safer and to protect our national interests," according to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy.

“The MQ-4C Triton will significantly enhance the security of Australia’s maritime borders – a key priority supported by the Integrated Investment Program, and as outlined in the National Defence Strategy.

“The arrival of the Triton represents a significant milestone for Air Force and clearly demonstrates the success of the cooperative program with the United States Navy. Our partnership strengthens our ability in joint operations and is underpinned by the strong cooperation with defence industry to develop advanced capability.”